A Travel Price Comparison for France Montpellier vs. Cannes for Old Town, Couples, Beaches, and Backpackers

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Should you visit Montpellier or Cannes?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Montpellier and Cannes. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a beautiful, friendly, and historic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches and shopping.

Cannes

Cannes is a glitzy, opulent , and luxury resort city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

How is Montpellier different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Montpellier or Cannes better for Beaches?

Montpellier and Cannes both offer beautiful beaches.

Many people visit Montpellier for it's beautiful beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Cannes is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.


Is Montpellier or Cannes better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the old town areas in both Montpellier and Cannes.

With a famous historical old-town, Montpellier offers plenty to see. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Cannes. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.

Is Montpellier or Cannes better for Shopping?

Shopping in a popular activity in both Cannes and Montpellier.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Cannes is a world class destination for shoppers. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

Is Montpellier or Cannes better for Families?

Both Montpellier and Cannes are family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Montpellier. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Cannes is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around town.

Is Montpellier or Cannes better for Couples?

Montpellier and Cannes both fun destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Montpellier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

For those traveling as a couple, Cannes has plenty to offer. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's getaway.


Is Montpellier or Cannes better for Public Transit?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Montpellier and Cannes.

The public transit in Montpellier can get you to most places easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Cannes has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel around the city.

Is Montpellier or Cannes a more walkable city?

Montpellier and Cannes both are comparable when exploring on foot.

Montpellier is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

Cannes is a very walkable destination. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

Montpellier and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Montpellier
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Cannes
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less popular with backpackers


Should I spend more time in Cannes or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Cannes?

It's fun to spend time in either Montpellier or Cannes. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cannes due to the larger number of activities and things to do.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Montpellier is 1-3 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Cannes is 2-4 days.


  • How many days in Montpellier or Cannes? Ideal Length of Stay
    Montpellier 1-3 
    Cannes 2-4

One day in Montpellier or Cannes?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping when visiting the destination of Montpellier. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the luxury resort city of Cannes. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire area has lots to do.

A weekend in Montpellier or Cannes?

Montpellier is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the opulent destination of Cannes. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This resort city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend here when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Montpellier or Cannes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time here unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The luxury resort city of Cannes offers shopping and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time here unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Montpellier or Cannes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping when visiting the historic destination of Montpellier. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Cannes. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Which city is cheaper, Cannes or Montpellier?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Montpellier is €84, while the average daily cost in Cannes is €110. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Montpellier and Cannes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montpellier €45
    Cannes €60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montpellier €90
    Cannes €120

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montpellier €21
    Cannes €13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Departure Transfer Montpellier to Montpellier Airport MPL by Private Vehicle: $26
  • Private Transfer: Montpellier Airport (MPL) to Montpellier: $62
  • Private Transfer: Montpellier to Montpellier Airport (MPL): $62
  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $84
  • Transfer Montpelier Airport to Nimes City or Nimes Airport: $224
  • Transfer Montpelier Airport to Avignon: $411

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cannes

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cannes:

  • Cannes Private Transfer from Cannes city centre to Nice Airport: $146
  • Departure Private Transfers from Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Business Car: $108
  • French Riviera: Half-Day Private Tour and Transfer: $397
  • Nice Airport Private Departure Transfer from Cannes, Monaco or Eze: $55
  • Nice Airport Transfers : Cannes City to Nice Airport NCE in Business Car: $108
  • Nice Airport Transfers : Cannes City to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Car: $157
  • Nice Airport Transfers : Cannes City to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Van: $124
  • Nice Airport departure private transfer from Cannes - Mónaco - Cap d Antibes in Business Car: $98
  • Nice Airport departure private transfer from Cannes - Mónaco - Cap d Antibes in Luxury Car: $140
  • Nice Airport departure private transfer from Cannes - Mónaco - Cap d Antibes in Luxury Van: $114
  • Private Airport Transfer: Cannes to Cote D'Azur Airport (NCE): $59
  • Private Departure Transfer from Cannes to Nice Airport: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Montpellier or Cannes?

Prices for flights to both Cannes and Montpellier change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Montpellier €25
    Cannes €36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montpellier

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montpellier.

  • Montpellier countryside dinner with local food & wine: $81
  • Vintage private wine and food tour from Montpellier: $180

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cannes

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cannes.

  • Summer Fireworks and Dinner Catamaran Cruise from Cannes: $135
  • Small-Group Evening Tour and Dinner in Monte Carlo from Cannes: $223
  • Unforgettable night photos of the French Riviera and dinner in Monaco: $622

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montpellier €9.71
    Cannes €24

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

Here are a few actual costs in Montpellier for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private Montpellier Ghost Tour: Haunted City Center Exploration Game: $4.96
  • Noilly Prat Vermouth Cellar Tour and Tastings in Marseillan: $22
  • Montpellier Self-Guided Walking Tour with Qula City Trails: $36
  • Vermouth and Gastronomy Tasting Tour in Marseillan: $39
  • Montpelier Discovery : Big Historic Tour - 1h30: $50
  • Segway Tour of the Old and New Montpellier: $62
  • the winetour from montpellier to pic saint loup: $68
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Olive Tour from Montpellier: $73
  • Taste of Montpellier Food and Sighseeing Tour: $81
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Oyster Tour from Montpellier: $86
  • Pic Saint Loup Winetour & food: $100
  • Private day tour to Sète and Bouzigues : culture, food & wine: $111

Tours and Activities in Cannes

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cannes are as follows:

  • Round-Trip Ferry Ticket: Cannes to Ste. Marguerite Island: $19
  • Cannes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $43
  • Cruise to Corniche d'Or: $44
  • 4-Hour Boat and Snorkeling Tour: $44
  • Photographic tour of Cannes with a Local: $46
  • French Riviera Tour: Cannes, Antibes & Saint-Paul de Vence: $51
  • Nice: Small-Group City Sightseeing Tour: $53
  • Combo Ile Sainte-Marguerite Ferry & Corniche d'Or Cruise from Cannes: $54
  • Sunset cruise / Cannes Lerins Islands: $55
  • Guided Tour in History, Glamour & Cinema: $62
  • Daytime or Sunset Catamaran Cruise from Cannes with Optional Lunch: $62
  • Cannes 2.5-Hour E-bike Tour: $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montpellier €12
    Cannes €14

Sample the Local Flavors in Montpellier

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montpellier:

  • Hike to the top of "Pic Saint Loup" and a wine tasting: $68
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $81
  • Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $81
  • Private tour: Exclusive Wine Tour in Languedoc from Montpellier: $336

Sample the Local Flavors in Cannes

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cannes:

  • Grasse, Valbonne & Gourdon: Day Tour with Wine Tasting: $132
  • Provence Wine Tour - Private Day Tour from Cannes: $342
  • Private Day Trip: Wine Tasting Tour Including Pinic Lunch From Cannes: $559
  • 5-Hour Private Cannes Shore Excursion: Eze, Nice, Wine Tasting: $658

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montpellier and Cannes, we can see that Cannes is more expensive. And not only is Montpellier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Montpellier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montpellier and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Cannes would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cannes than you might in Montpellier.

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Montpellier vs. Cannes Travel Comparison

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